OPTICAL CABLE CORP

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Optical Cable Corporation and its subsidiaries (collectively, the “Company” or “OCC®”) is a leading manufacturer of a broad range of fiber optic and copper data communication cabling and connectivity solutions primarily for the enterprise market and various harsh environment and specialty markets (collectively, the non-carrier markets), and also the wireless carrier market, offering integrated suites of high quality products which operate as a system solution or seamlessly integrate with other components. The Company’s product offerings include designs for uses ranging from enterprise networks, data centers, residential, campus and Passive Optical LAN (POL) installations to customized products for specialty applications and harsh environments, including military, industrial, mining, petrochemical, renewable energy and broadcast applications.

Founded in 1983, OCC is headquartered in Roanoke, Virginia with offices, manufacturing and warehouse facilities located in Roanoke, Virginia; near Asheville, North Carolina; and near Dallas, Texas.

The Company’s cabling and connectivity products are used for high bandwidth transmission of data, video and audio communications. The Company’s product offering includes products well-suited for use in various other short- to moderate-distance applications as well. The Company’s products are sold worldwide. Also see note 10.

The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Optical Cable Corporation and its wholly owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

All of the Company’s bank accounts are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC). As of October 31, 2025 and 2024, the Company didnot have bank deposits in excess of the insured limit.

For purposes of the consolidated statements of cash flows, the Company considers all highly liquid debt instruments with original maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents. As of October 31, 2025 and 2024, the Company hadno cash equivalents.

Trade accounts receivable are recorded at the invoiced amount and do not typically bear interest. The allowance for credit losses is the Company’s best estimate of the amount of probable credit losses in the Company’s existing accounts receivable. The Company reviews outstanding trade accounts receivable at the end of each quarter and records expected credit losses as deemed appropriate for (i) certain individual customers and (ii) for all other trade accounts receivable in total. In determining the amount of allowance for credit losses to be recorded for individual customers, the Company assesses the net amount expected to be collected from each customer. In addition, the Company establishes an allowance for all other receivables for which no specific allowances are deemed necessary. This portion of the allowance for credit losses is based on a percentage of total trade accounts receivable with different percentages used based on different age categories of receivables. The percentages used are based on the Company’s expectations of net amounts expected to be collected. Account balances are charged off against the allowance after all means of collection have been exhausted and the potential for recovery is considered remote. The Company does not have any off-balance-sheet credit exposure related to its customers.

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost and net realizable value. The determination of cost includes raw materials, direct labor and manufacturing overhead. The cost of optical fibers, included in raw materials, is determined using specific identification for optical fibers. The cost of other raw materials and production supplies is generally determined using the first-in, first-out basis. The cost of work in process and finished goods inventories is determined either as average cost or standard cost, depending upon the product type. A standard cost system is used to estimate the actual costs of inventory for certain product types. Actual costs and production cost levels may vary from the standards established and such variances, if material, are charged to cost of goods sold or capitalized to inventory. Also see note 3.

Property and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization are provided for using both straight-line and declining balance methods over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Estimated useful lives arethirty tothirty-nine years for buildings andthree tofifteen years for building improvements, machinery and equipment and furniture and fixtures. Also see note 4.

The Company records legal fees associated with patent and trademark applications as intangible assets. Such intangible assets are not amortized until such time that the patent and/or trademark is granted. The Company estimates the useful life of patents and trademarks based on the period over which the intangible asset is expected to contribute directly or indirectly to future cash flows. If patents and/or trademarks are not granted, the capitalized legal fees are expensed during the period in which such notification is received. If the Company decides to abandon a patent or trademark application, the capitalized legal fees are expensed during the period in which the Company’s decision is made.

The Company recognizes revenue at the time product is transferred to the customer (including distributors) at an amount that reflects the consideration expected to be received in exchange for the product. Customers generally do not have the right of return unless a product is defective or damaged and is within the parameters of the product warranty in effect for the sale. Also see note 12.

The Company recognizes royalty income (if any), net of related expenses, on an accrual basis and estimates royalty income earned based on historical experience.

Shipping and handling costs include the costs incurred to physically move finished goods from the Company’s warehouse to the customers’ designated location. All shipping and handling activities related to contracts with customers as a cost to fulfill its promise to transfer control of the related product are classified as sales revenue. Shipping and handling costs of approximately $2.3 million and $1.9 million are included in selling, general and administrative expenses for the fiscal years ended October 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively.

Research and development costs are expensed as incurred. Research and development costs totaled approximately $1.0 million and $999,000 for the fiscal years ended October 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively, and are included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of operations.

Advertising costs are expensed as incurred. Advertising costs totaled approximately $121,000 and $164,000 for the fiscal years ended October 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively, and are included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of operations.

Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and operating loss, capital loss and tax credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.

The Company recognizes the effect of income tax positions only if those positions are more likely than not of being sustained. Recognized income tax positions are measured at the largest amount that is greater than 50% likely of being realized. Changes in recognition or measurement are reflected in the period in which the change in judgment occurs. The Company records interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits as a component of income tax expense. Also see note 13.

On July 4, 2025, the Act referred to as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (“OBBB Act”) was signed into law. The OBBB Act permanently extends many tax provisions included as part of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (“TCJA”) and enacts significant changes to tax, immigration, energy, and health care policy. Enactment of the law did not have a material impact on the Company’s 2025 results due to the valuation allowance recorded against its deferred tax assets.

Long-lived assets, such as property and equipment and intangible assets, are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to future net cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If the carrying amount of an asset exceeds its estimated future cash flows, an impairment charge is recognized in the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset exceeds the fair value of the asset. When applicable, assets to be disposed of are reported separately in the consolidated balance sheet at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value less costs to sell, and are no longer depreciated.

The Company recognizes the cost of employee services received in exchange for awards of equity instruments based upon the grant-date fair value of those awards. Also see note 9.

Basic net income (loss) per share excludes dilution and is computed by dividing net income (loss) available to common shareholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the period. In the case of basic net income per share, the calculation includes common shares outstanding issued as share-based compensation and still subject to vesting requirements. In the case of basic net loss per share, the calculation excludes common shares outstanding issued as share-based compensation and still subject to vesting requirements, as these shares are considered dilutive.

Diluted net income (loss) per share also is calculated by dividing net income (loss) available to common shareholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the period, and reflects the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised or converted into common stock or resulted in the issuance of common stock that then shared in the net income (loss) of the Company. The diluted net income (loss) per share calculation: (i) includes common shares outstanding issued as share-based compensation and still subject to vesting requirements in the calculation of diluted net income per share and (ii) excludes common shares outstanding issued as share-based compensation and still subject to vesting requirements in the calculation of diluted net loss per share. Also see note 15.

The Company is organized and operates as one reportable segment that includes the design, development, manufacture and marketing of fiber optic and copper data communication cabling and connectivity solutions. The Company’s Chief Operating Decision Maker (“CODM”), the Chief Executive Officer, reviews financial information presented on a consolidated basis for purposes of making operating decisions, allocating resources and assessing financial performance. Also see note 11.

The Company’s redeemable restricted common stock is presented as temporary equity as a result of certain embedded features within the stock purchase agreement. Subsequent changes to the aggregate redemption value are recorded within shareholders' equity. Also see note 17.

Liabilities for loss contingencies arising from product warranties and defects, claims, assessments, litigation, fines and penalties and other sources are recorded when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the assessment can be reasonably estimated.

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

A summary of changes in the allowance for credit losses for trade accounts receivable for the years ended October 31, 2025 and 2024 follows:

Inventories as of October 31, 2025 and 2024 consist of the following:

Property and equipment, net as of October 31, 2025 and 2024 consists of the following:

Aggregate amortization expense for amortizing intangible assets was $54,399 and $54,062 for the years ended October 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively. Amortization of intangible assets is calculated using a straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the intangible assets. Amortization expense is estimated to be approximately $53,000 for each of the next five years. The gross carrying amounts and accumulated amortization of intangible assets subject to amortization as of October 31, 2025 was $883,708 and $422,387, respectively. The gross carrying amounts and accumulated amortization of intangible assets subject to amortization as of October 31, 2024 was $879,963 and $367,989, respectively.

The Company generally warrants its products against certain manufacturing and other defects in material and workmanship. These product warranties are provided for specific periods of time and are applicable assuming the product has not been subjected to misuse, improper installation, negligent handling or shipping damage. As of October 31, 2025 and 2024, the Company’s accrual for estimated product warranty claims totaled $100,000 and $65,000, respectively, and is included in accounts payable and accrued expenses. Warranty claims expense includes the costs to investigate claims and potential claims, and the costs to replace and/or repair product pursuant to claims, which can include claims not deemed valid by the Company. The accrued product warranty costs are based primarily on historical experience of actual warranty claims and costs as well as current information with respect to potential warranty claims and costs. Warranty claims expense for the years ended October 31, 2025 and 2024 totaled $104,935 and $61,465, respectively.

The following table summarizes the changes in the Company’s accrual for product warranties during the fiscal years ended October 31, 2025 and 2024:

The Company has credit facilities consisting of a real estate term loan, as amended and restated (the “Virginia Real Estate Loan”) and a Revolving Credit Master Promissory Note and related Loan and Security Agreement (collectively, the “Revolver”).

The Virginia Real Estate Loan is with Northeast Bank and is payable in monthly installments of principal and interest. Principal is calculated using the unpaid balance of the loan and a two hundred forty (240) month amortization schedule. Interest is computed on the aggregate principal balance outstanding at a rate equal to the Prime Rate, adjusted monthly on the fifth day of each calendar month in accordance with changes to the Prime Rate, provided, however, that the interest rate is never less than 8.5% per annum on the basis of a 360-day year times the actual number of days elapsed. The Prime Rate was 7.0% per annum at October 31, 2025 and 8.0% at October 31, 2024. The maturity date of the Virginia Real Estate Loan is May 5, 2026 and, as such, the balance of the loan was reclassified from a non-current liability to a current liability during fiscal year 2025. The Company intends to refinance the obligation prior to maturity.

The Loan is secured by a first lien deed of trust on the land and buildings at the Company’s headquarters and manufacturing facilities located in Roanoke, Virginia.

The Company had an outstanding balance on its Virginia Real Estate Loan of $2.6 million as of October 31, 2025 and 2024.

The Revolver with North Mill Capital LLC (doing business as SLR Business Credit, “SLR”) provides the Company with one or more advances in an amount up to: (a)85% of the aggregate outstanding amount of eligible accounts (the “eligible accounts loan value”); plus (b) the lowest of (i) an amount up to 35% of the aggregate value of eligible inventory, (ii) $7,000,000, and (iii) an amount not to exceed 100% of the then outstanding eligible accounts loan value; minus (c) $1,150,000.

The maximum aggregate principal amount subject to the Revolver is $18,000,000. Interest accrues on the daily balance at the per annum rate of 1.5% above the Prime Rate in effect from time to time, but not less than 4.75% (the “Applicable Rate”). As a result, the Revolver accrued interest at 8.5% at October 31, 2025 and 9.5% at October 31, 2024. In the event of a default, interest may become 6.0% above the Applicable Rate. The loan may be extended subject to the agreement of SLR.

The Company’s Revolver requires a lockbox arrangement, which provides for all cash receipts to be swept daily to reduce the balance outstanding. This arrangement, combined with the existence of a “subjective acceleration clause” (as defined by U.S. generally accepted accounting principles) in the Revolver, requires the balance on the Revolver to be classified as a current liability. The “subjective acceleration clause” allows SLR to declare an event of default if there is a material adverse change in the Company’s business or financial condition. Upon the occurrence of an event of default, SLR may, among other things, declare all obligations payable in full. Management believes that no such material adverse change has occurred. In addition, at October 31, 2025 and through the date of this report, SLR has not informed the Company that any such event of default has occurred.

The Revolver has a maturity date of July 24, 2027 and management believes that the Company will continue to be able to borrow on the Revolver to fund its operations over the remaining term.

The Revolver is secured by all of the following assets, properties, rights and interests in property of the Company whether now owned or existing, or hereafter acquired or arising, and wherever located; all accounts, equipment, commercial tort claims, general intangibles, chattel paper, inventory, negotiable collateral, investment property, financial assets, letter-of-credit rights, supporting obligations, deposit accounts, money or assets of the Company, which hereafter come into the possession, custody, or control of SLR; all proceeds and products, whether tangible or intangible, of any of the foregoing, including proceeds of insurance covering any or all of the foregoing; any and all tangible or intangible property resulting from the sale, lease, license or other disposition of any of the foregoing, or any portion thereof or interest therein, and all proceeds thereof; and any other assets of the Company which may be subject to a lien in favor of SLR as security for the obligations under the Loan Agreement.

As of October 31, 2025, the Company had $5.6 million of outstanding borrowings on its Revolver and $4.7 million in available credit. As of October 31, 2024, the Company had $8.3 million of outstanding borrowings on its Revolver and $3.2 million in available credit.

The aggregate maturities of the Company’s credit facilities subsequent to October 31, 2025 is $2,570,793 in fiscal year 2026 and $5,624,816 in fiscal year 2027.

The Company has an operating lease agreement for approximately 34,000 square feet of office, manufacturing and warehouse space in Plano, Texas (near Dallas). The lease term expires on November 30, 2029.

The Company has an operating lease for approximately 36,000 square feet of warehouse space in Roanoke, Virginia. The lease term expires on April 30, 2026.

The Company also leases certain office equipment under an operating lease with an initial 60-month term. The lease term expires on December 9, 2029.

The Company leases printers that are used in the Roanoke, Virginia manufacturing facility. The lease term expires on August 22, 2026. The right-of-use asset is being amortized on a straight-line basis over seven years. When the lease term ends, if the Company elects to purchase and retain the printers for a nominal fee, title will transfer to the Company and the remaining net book value of the right-of-use asset will be classified as property and equipment.

The Company leases test equipment that is used in the Asheville, North Carolina manufacturing facility. The lease term expires on June 26, 2030. The right-of-use asset is being amortized on a straight-line basis over five years. When the lease term ends, if the Company elects to retain the test equipment, title will transfer to the Company and the remaining net book value of the right-of-use asset will be classified as property and equipment.

The Company’s lease contracts may include options to extend or terminate the leases. The Company exercises judgment to determine the term of those leases when such options are present and includes such options in the calculation of the lease term when it is reasonably certain that it will exercise those options.

The Company includes contract lease components in its determination of lease payments, while non-lease components of the contracts, such as taxes, insurance, and common area maintenance, are expensed as incurred. At commencement, right-of-use assets and lease liabilities are measured at the present value of future lease payments over the lease term. The Company uses either the rate implicit in the lease, where available, or its incremental borrowing rate based on information available at the time of lease commencement to measure the present value of future payments.

Operating lease expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Short-term leases with an initial term of 12 months or less are expensed as incurred. The Company’s short-term leases have month-to-month terms.

Operating lease right-of-use assets of $1,686,290 and $1,872,206 were included inother assets at October 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively. Operating lease liabilities of $392,898 and $1,358,584 were included inaccounts payable and accrued expenses, andother noncurrent liabilities, respectively, at October 31, 2025. Operating lease liabilities of $376,965 and $1,525,423 were included inaccounts payable and accrued expenses, andother noncurrent liabilities, respectively, at October 31, 2024. Operating lease expense for the fiscal years ended October 31, 2025 and 2024 was $615,874 and $451,197, respectively.

The weighted average remaining lease term for the operating leases was 47.5 months and the weighted average discount rate was 9.45% as of October 31, 2025.

For the fiscal years ended October 31, 2025 and 2024, cash paid for operating lease liabilities totaled $579,918 and $448,298, respectively. For the fiscal year ended October 31, 2025, right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease liabilities totaled $266,141 and there was a reduction in right-of-use assets for terminated lease liabilities totaling $21,344. For the fiscal year ended October 31, 2024, right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease liabilities totaled $1,661,150.

Finance lease right-of-use assets of $257,986 and $111,844 were included inother assets at October 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively. Finance lease liabilities of $87,014 and $144,957 were included inaccounts payable and accrued expenses, andother noncurrent liabilities, respectively, at October 31, 2025. Finance lease liabilities of $39,277 and $54,174, respectively, were included inaccounts payable and accrued expenses andother noncurrent liabilities at October 31, 2024. Interest expense related to the finance leases totaled $8,408 and $5,410 for the fiscal years ended October 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively. Amortization expense related to the finance leases totaled $42,043 and $29,497 for the fiscal years ended October 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively.

The weighted average remaining lease term for the finance leases was 45.3 months and the weighted average discount rate was 7.2% as of October 31, 2025.

For the fiscal year ended October 31, 2025, cash paid for the finance lease liabilites totaled $8,408 and $49,665 for interest and principal, respectively. For the fiscal year ended October 31, 2024, cash paid for the finance lease liability totaled $5,410 and $37,459 for interest and principal, respectively.

For the fiscal year ended October 31, 2025, right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new finance lease liabilities totaled $188,185. For the fiscal year ended October 31, 2024, there wereno right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new finance lease liabilities.

The Company’s future payments due under leases reconciled to the lease liabilities are as follows:

Health Insurance Coverage

The Company contracts for health insurance coverage for employees and their dependents through third-party administrators. During the fiscal years ended October 31, 2025 and 2024, total expense of $3,878,501 and $3,608,222, respectively, was recognized under the Company’s insured health care program.

401(k) Plan

The Company maintains a 401(k) retirement savings plan for the benefit of its eligible employees.** **Substantially all of the Company’s employees who meet certain service and age requirements are eligible to participate in the plan. The Company’s plan document provides that the Company’s matching contributions are discretionary. The Company expensed matching contributions to the plan of $55,113 and $54,494 for the fiscal years ended October 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively.

Stock Incentives for Key Employees and Non-Employee Directors

Optical Cable Corporation uses stock incentives to increase the personal financial interest that key employees and non-employee Directors have in the future success of the Company, thereby aligning their interests with those of other shareholders and strengthening their desire to remain with the Company.

As of October 31, 2025, there were approximately 372,000 remaining shares available for grant under the Optical Cable Corporation Stock Incentive Plan, as amended (“2017 Plan”).

Share-based compensation expense for employees, a consultant and non-employee members of the Company’s Board of Directors recognized in the consolidated statements of operations for the years ended October 31, 2025 and 2024 was $386,639 and $443,234, respectively. Share-based compensation expense is entirely related to expense recognized in connection with the vesting of restricted stock awards or other stock awards.

The Company has granted, and anticipates granting, from time to time, restricted stock awards to employees, subject to approval by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors. The restricted stock awards granted under the 2017 Plan vest over time if certain operational performance-based criteria are met. Failure to meet the criteria required for vesting will result in a portion or all of the shares being forfeited.

During the fiscal year ended October 31, 2025 and 2024, stock awards to non-employee Directors under the 2017 Plan totaling 36,228 shares and 39,960 shares, respectively, were approved by the Board of Directors of the Company. The shares are part of the non-employee Directors’ annual compensation for service on the Board of Directors. The shares granted to non-employee Directors under the 2017 Plan are subject to aone-year vesting period.

The Company recognizes expense each quarter on service-based shares based on the number of shares expected to vest multiplied by the closing price of the Company’s shares of common stock on the date of grant. The Company recognizes expense each quarter on operational performance-based shares of employees using an estimate of the shares expected to vest multiplied by the closing price of the Company’s shares of common stock on the date of grant.

A summary of the status of the Company’s nonvested shares granted to employees, a consultant and non-employee Directors under the 2017 Plan as of October 31, 2025, and changes during the year ended October 31, 2025, is as follows:

As of October 31, 2025, the estimated amount of compensation cost related to nonvested equity-based compensation awards that the Company will recognize over a 3.2 year weighted-average period is approximately $763,000. Such nonvested equity-based compensation awards are in the form of (i) operational performance-based shares and (ii) operational performance-based shares which have been converted to service-based shares after performance-based criteria have been met.

The Company provides credit, in the normal course of business, to various commercial enterprises, governmental entities and not‑for‑profit organizations. Concentration of credit risk with respect to trade receivables is limited due to the Company’s large number of customers. The Company also manages exposure to credit risk through credit approvals, credit limits and monitoring procedures. Management believes that credit risks as of October 31, 2025 and 2024 have been adequately provided for in the consolidated financial statements. The Company includes all entities under common ownership for the purpose of calculating business concentrations.

For the year ended October 31, 2025,18.3%, or approximately $13.4 million of consolidated net sales were attributable toone distributor customer. No other customer accounted for more than 10% of consolidated net sales for the year ended October 31, 2025. As of October 31, 2025, the same customer had an outstanding balance payable to the Company totaling 10.5% of total consolidated shareholders’ equity. One other customer had an outstanding balance payable to the Company totaling 8.2% of total consolidated shareholders’ equity. No other customer had an outstanding balance payable to the Company in excess of 5% of total consolidated shareholders’ equity.

For the year ended October 31, 2024,16.4%, or approximately $10.9 million of consolidated net sales were attributable toone distributor customer. No other customer accounted for more than 10% of consolidated net sales for the year ended October 31, 2024. As of October 31, 2024, the same customer had an outstanding balance payable to the Company totaling 9.8% of total consolidated shareholders’ equity. One other customer had an outstanding balance payable to the Company totaling 7.7% of total consolidated shareholders’ equity. No other customer had an outstanding balance payable to the Company in excess of 5% of total consolidated shareholders’ equity.

For the years ended October 31, 2025 and 2024, approximately 79% of net sales were from customers in the United States, while approximately 21% were from customers outside of the United States.

Operating segments are defined as components of an enterprise for which separate financial information is evaluated regularly by the CODM, who makes decisions about allocating resources and assessing performance. The Company’s CODM is its Chief Executive Officer.

The Company has identified asingle reportable segment for purposes of segment reporting and manages the business activities of the single operating segment on a consolidated basis. The Company’s single operating segment derives revenues from sales of its fiber optic and copper data communication cabling and connectivity solutions in the enterprise market and various harsh environment and specialty markets.

Financial information is provided to the CODM primarily on a consolidated basis. The CODM evaluates the Company’s financial performance and makes key operating decisions, including the allocation of resources, based primarily on consolidated net sales, consolidated operating income (loss) and net income (loss). The Company’s financial statements provide a comprehensive view of its overall financial condition.

The following table presents selected financial information with respect to the Company's single reportable segment, including significant single reportable segment expenses that are regularly provided to the CODM:

(1) Other is comprised of other segment SG&A expenses including certain public company expenses, corporate insurance premiums not included in employee related expenses, marketing expenses, certain office and manufacturing facility expenses and all other SG&A expenses not individually set forth in the table above, as well as royalty expense, net and amortization of intangible assets.

Information related to the Company’s geographical distribution of revenues is disclosed in note 12.

Revenues consist of product sales that are recognized at a specific point in time under the core principle of recognizing revenue when control transfers to the customer. The Company considers customer purchase orders, governed by master sales agreements or the Company’s standard terms and conditions, to be the contract with the customer. For each contract, the promise to transfer the control of the products, each of which is individually distinct, is considered to be the identified performance obligation. The Company evaluates each customer’s credit risk when determining whether to accept a contract.

In determining transaction prices, the Company evaluates whether fixed order prices are subject to adjustment to determine the net consideration to which the Company expects to be entitled. Contracts do not include financing components, as payment terms are generally due 30 to 90 days after shipment. Taxes assessed by governmental authorities and collected from the customer including, but not limited to, any sales and use taxes and value-added taxes, are not included in the transaction price and are not included in net sales.

The Company recognizes revenue at the point in time when products are shipped or delivered from its manufacturing facility to its customer, in accordance with the agreed upon shipping terms. Since the Company typically invoices the customer at the same time that performance obligations are satisfied, no contract assets are recognized. The Company’s contract liability represents advance consideration received from customers prior to transfer of the product. This liability was $68,386 and $70,263 as of October 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively.

Sales to certain customers are made pursuant to agreements that provide price adjustments and limited return rights with respect to the Company’s products. The Company maintains a reserve for estimated future price adjustment claims, rebates and returns as a refund liability, included in accounts payable and accrued expenses, and the Company excludes such amounts from net sales. The Company’s refund liability was $403,816 and $232,692 as of October 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively.

The Company offers standard product warranty coverage which provides assurance that its products will conform to contractually agreed-upon specifications for a limited period from the date of shipment. Separately-priced warranty coverage is not offered. The warranty claim is generally limited to a credit equal to the purchase price or a promise to repair or replace the product for a specified period of time at no additional charge.

The Company accounts for shipping and handling activities related to contracts with customers as a cost to fulfill its promise to transfer control of the related product. Shipping and handling costs are included in selling, general and administrative expenses.

The Company incurs expenses for sales incentives to acquire customer contracts that are directly attributable to the contracts. The incentives are expensed as selling expenses during the period that the related products are transferred to customers.

Disaggregation of Revenue

The following table presents net sales attributable to the United States and all other countries in total for the fiscal years ended October 31, 2025 and 2024:

No individual country outside of the United States accounted for more than 10% of total net sales in fiscal years 2025 or 2024.

Income tax expense (benefit) for the years ended October 31, 2025 and 2024 consists of:

Reported income tax expense for the years ended October 31, 2025 and 2024 differs from the “expected” tax expense (benefit), computed by applying the U.S. Federal statutory income tax rate of 21% in fiscal years 2025 and 2024 to income before income taxes as follows:

The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant portions of the Company’s deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities as of October 31, 2025 and 2024 are presented below:

As a result of a past acquisition, the Company recorded certain deferred tax assets totaling $1,517,605 (after purchase accounting adjustments), related to gross net operating loss (“NOL”) carryforwards of $4,455,525, estimated to be available after considering Internal Revenue Code Section 382 limitations. As of October 31, 2025, $672,000 of these gross NOL carryforwards remain unused and may be used to reduce future taxable income. These remaining gross NOL carryforwards begin to expire in fiscal year ending October 31, 2028.

Additionally, the Company has federal and state gross NOL carryforwards of $12,956,541 and $2,606,375, respectively. Federal NOL carryforwards originate with certain fiscal years from 2019 through 2025 and do not expire. State NOL carryforwards originate with certain fiscal years from 2015 through 2025 and will not begin to expire until fiscal year 2030.

For the fiscal years ended October 31, 2025 and 2024, the Company considered all positive and negative evidence available to assess whether it is “more likely than not” that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. For each year, the Company concluded that in accordance with the provisions of Accounting Standards Codification 740,Income Taxes, the negative evidence outweighed the objectively verifiable positive evidence. As a result, the Company established a valuation allowance of $5,211,336 and $4,865,610, respectively, against net deferred tax assets existing as of October 31, 2025 and 2024.

The Company estimates a liability for uncertain tax positions taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. The liability for uncertain tax positions is included in other noncurrent liabilities on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

A reconciliation of the unrecognized tax benefits for fiscal years 2025 and 2024 follows:

During fiscal year 2025, the Company decreased accrued interest by $3,805 and increased accrued penalties by $2,131 related to unrecognized tax benefits. During fiscal year 2024, the Company increased accrued interest and penalties by $1,746 and $204, respectively, related to unrecognized tax benefits. As of October 31, 2025 and 2024, the Company had approximately $17,544 and $19,218, respectively, of accrued interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions. The total amount of unrecognized tax benefits that would affect the Company’s effective tax rate if recognized is $27,068 and $19,535 as of October 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively. The Company does not expect its unrecognized tax benefits to change significantly in the next 12 months.

The Company files income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction and in various state jurisdictions. The statute of limitations remains open for U.S. and certain state income tax examinations for years ended October 31, 2022 through October 31, 2024.

The carrying amounts reported in the consolidated balance sheets as of October 31, 2025 and 2024 for cash, trade accounts receivable, income taxes refundable – current, other receivables, current installments of long-term debt, accounts payable and accrued expenses, accrued compensation and payroll taxes, and income taxes payable approximate fair value because of the short maturity of these instruments. The carrying values reported in the consolidated balance sheets as of October 31, 2025 and 2024 of the Company’s note payable, revolver – current, and long-term debt, excluding current installments, approximate fair value because the interest rates vary with the market. Fair value is defined as the amount that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date.

The Company uses a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs for valuation methods used to measure fair value. The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are as follows:

The Company utilizes the best available information in measuring fair value.

The following is a reconciliation of the numerators and denominators of the net loss per share computations for the periods presented:

Nonvested shares which have been issued and are outstanding as of October 31, 2025 and 2024 totaling 376,467 and 208,001, respectively, were not included in the computation of basic and diluted net loss per share for the years ended October 31, 2025 and 2024 (because to include such shares would have been antidilutive, or in other words, to do so would have reduced the net loss per share for that period).

Stockholder Protection Rights Agreement

On October 28, 2011, the Board of Directors of the Company adopted a Stockholder Protection Rights Agreement (the “Rights Agreement”) and declared a dividend ofone preferred share purchase right for each outstanding share of common stock. These purchase rights and the related Rights Agreement were set to expire on November 2, 2021. On November 2, 2021, the Board of Directors of the Company amended and restated the Rights Agreement (the “Amended Rights Agreement”) to amend and restate the Rights Agreement to continue the dividend ofone preferred share purchase right (a “Right”) for each outstanding share of Common Stock, no par value, of the Company (“Common Shares”), held of record at the close of business on November 2, 2021, or issued thereafter. Except to extend the Amended Rights Agreement to November 2, 2031, no other material changes were made to the Rights Agreement by the Amended Rights Agreement.

Under the terms of the Amended Rights Agreement, if a person or group who is deemed an Acquiring Person as defined in the Amended Rights Agreement acquires 15% (or other applicable percentage, as provided in the Amended Rights Agreement) or more of the outstanding common stock, each Right will entitle its holder (other than such person or members of such group) to purchase, at the Right’s then current exercise price, a number of shares of common stock having a market value of twice such price. In addition, if the Company is acquired in a merger or other business transaction after a person or group who is deemed an Acquiring Person has acquired such percentage of the outstanding common stock, each Right will entitle its holder (other than such person or members of such group) to purchase, at the Right’s then current exercise price, a number of the acquiring company’s common shares having a market value of twice such price.

Upon the occurrence of certain events, each Right will entitle its holder to purchase from the Company one one‑thousandth of a Series A Participating Preferred Share (“Preferred Share”), no par value, at an exercise price of $25, subject to adjustment. Each Preferred Share will entitle its holder to 1,000 votes and will have an aggregate dividend rate of 1,000 times the amount, if any, paid to holders of common stock. The Rights will expire on November 2, 2031, unless the Rights are earlier redeemed or exchanged by the Company for $0.0001 per Right. The adoption of the Rights Agreement and the Amended Rights Agreement has no impact on the financial position or results of operations of the Company.

The Company has reserved 100,000 shares of its authorized preferred stock for issuance upon exercise of the Rights.

On July 7, 2025, the Company entered into a Stock Purchase Agreement (the “SPA”) with Lightera, LLC (“Lightera”) to issue 642,199 shares of common stock for $2.0 million of cash consideration. The SPA provides the Company with the right to repurchase the shares issued to Lightera at a price equal to the greater of the price per share of common stock paid at issuance or the average price per share of common stock as traded for the ten trading days ending on the business day immediately prior to the date on which the call notice is delivered (the “Call Option”). Similarly, Lightera has a corresponding right to require the Company repurchase the shares issued using the same pricing mechanism included in the Call Option (the “Put Option”).

Contemporaneous with the SPA, the Company and Lightera entered into a Joint Collaboration Agreement (the “Collaboration Agreement”) on the same date, establishing a strategic collaboration aimed at expanding product offerings to customers, increasing customer engagement and enhancing customer service for both new and existing customers, which will include certain Lightera products being offered and sold by the Company.

The Call Option and the Put Option cannot be exercised for a period of two years from July 7, 2025 unless accelerated based on contingent events, including, but not limited to, the termination of the Collaboration Agreement, a change-in-control of the Company, or material acquisition by the Company. Unless the term of the Collaboration Agreement is extended beyond such date, the Call Option and the Put Option will generally expire 90 days following July 7, 2027, if they are not exercised. Lightera is restricted from transferring or disposing of the shares of common stock before the Call Option and Put Option become exercisable.

The Put Option becomes exercisable on July 7, 2027, if not sooner, upon the occurrence of certain events, or later pursuant to the extension of the Collaborative Agreement as described above. The exercise of the Put Option is outside of the Company’s control. Therefore, the common stock issued to Lightera is determined to be redeemable with the passage of time and thus recorded outside of permanent equity.

The Call Option and the Put Option can be exercised one or more times during the permitted exercise period, but the total number of shares of redeemable common stock purchased cannot exceed the original 642,199 shares of redeemable common stock originally issued to Lightera on July 7, 2025.

The Company may be obligated to cumulatively purchase a sufficient number of shares of redeemable common stock through one or more exercises of the Call Option and the Put Option up to a cap equal to the value of Lightera’s total investment of $2.0 million, using a price per share of redeemable common stock equal to the greater of the price per share of redeemable common stock paid at issuance (approximately $3.11 per share), or the average price per share of redeemable common stock as traded for the ten trading days ending on the business day immediately prior to the date any individual Call Option or Put Option is exercised.

Generally, the maximum redemption value of the redeemable common stock is $2.0 million; however, in the event Lightera exercises the Put Option for a number of shares of redeemable common stock that would result in a redemption value greater than Lightera’s total investment, the Company may be required to assist Lightera with the disposition of any remaining shares of redeemable common stock in excess of $2.0 million in value, or in certain limited circumstances, the Company may be required to (i) register the remaining shares of redeemable common stock enabling Lightera to publicly trade these shares or (ii) purchase the remaining shares by issuing a promissory note to Lightera. As a result, the Company has recorded the value of the redeemable common stock at the average stock price for the ten days preceding the balance sheet date multiplied by the total number of the redeemable shares.

The Company initially recorded the redeemable common stock at $1,907,517, the $2,000,000 cash consideration, net of issuance costs of $92,483.

While not currently redeemable, the redeemable common stock is probable of becoming redeemable and thus the Company has elected to recognize the redeemable common stock at redemption value of $5.1 million as of October 31, 2025. The corresponding changes in redemption value are recognized in retained earnings.

The Company evaluated the Call Option and Put Option and concluded that these embedded features were not indexed to the underlying equity-like instruments and are required to be bifurcated and recognized as a compound derivative instrument. As of the date of issuance and October 31, 2025, the Company concluded the fair value of the bifurcated compound derivative was insignificant as the strike price adjusts with the movement of the trading price of the underlying common stock.

During fiscal year 2024, the Company received insurance proceeds in connection with the office building and its contents at the Company’s Asheville facilities sustaining water damage from a burst pipe at the end of December 2022. The office building damaged is separate from the Company’s manufacturing building, which houses its manufacturing operations and certain offices at the same location. There was no significant impact to the Company’s operations as a result of this event.

Insurance proceeds in excess of expenses incurred through October 31, 2024, a net total of $304,307, is included in other income (expense), net as a gain on insurance proceeds on the Company’s condensed consolidated statement of operations.

From time to time, the Company is involved in various claims, legal actions and regulatory reviews arising in the ordinary course of business. In the opinion of management, the ultimate disposition of these matters will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or liquidity.

New Accounting Standards Recently Adopted

In November 2023, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2023-07,Segment Reporting (Topic 280): Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures(“ASU 2023-07”). ASU 2023-07 requires public entities to disclose significant segment expenses that are regularly provided to the CODM. Public entities with a single reportable segment are required to apply the disclosure requirements in ASU 2023-07, as well as all existing segment disclosure requirement in ASC 280,Segment Reporting, on an interim and annual basis. The guidance in ASU 2023-07 is effective for annual reporting periods in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023 and interim reporting periods in fiscal years beginning after December 31, 2024. The Company adopted ASU 2023-07 on a retrospective basis for the annual period ended October 31, 2025. See note 11 for further information regarding the Company’s single reportable segment disclosures.

New Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted

In December 2023, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2023-09,Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures (“ASU 2023-09”). The objective of ASU 2023-09 is to enhance disclosures related to income taxes, including specific thresholds for inclusion within the tabular disclosure of income tax rate reconciliation and specified information about income taxes paid. ASU 2023-09 is effective for public companies starting in annual periods beginning after December 15, 2024, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact ASU 2023-09 will have on its financial statement disclosures.

In November 2024, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2024-03,Income Statement—Reporting Comprehensive Income—Expense Disaggregation Disclosures (Subtopic 220-40) (“ASU 2024-03”). The objective of ASU 2024-03 is to improve disclosures about a public entity's expenses, primarily through additional disaggregation of income statement expenses. In January 2025, the FASB further clarified the effective date of ASU 2024-03 with the issuance of Accounting Standards Update 2025-01,Income Statement —Reporting Comprehensive Income —Expense Disaggregation Disclosures (Subtopic 220-40) (“ASU 2025-01”). ASU 2024-03 is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2026, and interim periods within annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2027. Early adoption is permitted and may be applied either on a prospective or retrospective basis. The Company is currently evaluating the impact ASU 2024-03 will have on its financial statement disclosures.

In July 2025, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2025-05,Measurement of Credit Losses for Accounts Receivable and Contract Assets (“ASU 2025-05”). The amendments in ASU 2025-05 provide entities with a practical expedient to simplify the estimation of expected credit losses on current accounts receivable and current contract assets that arise from transactions accounted for under ASC 606,Revenue from Contracts with Customers (“ASC 606”) by allowing the assumption that current conditions as of the balance sheet date will not change during the remaining life of the asset. ASU 2025-05 is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2025 and interim periods within those annual reporting periods, with early adoption permitted. The adoption of ASU 2025-05 is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's results of operations, financial position or liquidity or its related financial statement disclosures.

There are no other new accounting standards issued, but not yet adopted by the Company, which are expected to materially impact the Company’s financial position, operating results or financial statement disclosures.

The following is a summary of the unaudited quarterly results of operations for the years ended October 31, 2025 and 2024: